Have you ever stopped to admire a newly made dental crown? It looks like a small piece of porcelain on the surface, but there’s a whole lot more going on than meets the eye. There’s a lot of prepping, calculating, and crafting that goes into each tooth to assure quality.
If you want to know more about dental crowns and how they’re made, continue reading. Dental crowns are one of the best treatments to showcase how art and science collide in dentistry.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Before going into the weeds to see how dental crowns are made, it’s best to know what they are. These small pieces of ceramic are shaped into teeth or parts of teeth to repair severely damaged smiles.
If you have a broken tooth, severe decay that eats away at your enamel, or need a root canal on a tooth that needs extra protection, your dentist may recommend a dental crown for your treatment.
What Is the Procedure for Preparing Dental Crowns?
Preparation for dental crowns is a multi-step process that takes a few weeks to complete:
Step 1: Examination
Before the crown placement process begins, your dentist will conduct a thorough dental examination. This screening is needed to assess the overall health of your tooth and determine whether a dental crown is the most suitable treatment.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation and Cleaning
Once it’s confirmed that a dental crown is the best solution, the next step is to prepare the tooth that will receive the crown.
Your dentist will begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Then, they will remove any decay or damage from the tooth, shaping it to accommodate the crown. Tooth preparation is essential to ensure a proper fit and alignment of your future crown.
Step 3: Impressions
After tooth preparation, your dentist will take impressions of the treated tooth and surrounding teeth. These impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory where your crown will be created.
Step 4: Dental Lab Fabrication
Once the impressions from your dentist arrive, skilled technicians will create your custom dental crown. The fabrication process usually takes a couple of weeks and involves molding, casting, and handling molten ceramic.
During this time, the crown will be carefully crafted to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth.
Step 5: Installation
Once the dental lab has completed the fabrication of your crown, you’ll return to the dentist’s office for the installation. Your dentist will check the fit and appearance of the crown, making any necessary adjustments.
The installation step typically requires minimal time, and you’ll be able to leave the dental office with your new crown securely in position.
If you have any concerns, give your dentist a call. Instances of complications after the treatment are rare but possible. It’s important to follow your dentist’s post-procedure care instructions to ensure the longevity and functionality of your new prosthetic.
About the Author
Dr. Dennis E. Stansbury has been practicing dentistry for over 40 years, and his favorite part of the job is still the patients. The relationships he’s formed with them and his staff are what make Stansbury Dental special. Dr. Stansbury earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas and has since then continued his education through professional organizations like the American College of Dentists (where he has attained Fellow status), and the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry. To schedule an appointment, call (903) 561-1122 or visit the website to learn more.